Mauritania Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Yellow Fever | Yes* |
| Typhoid | Yes |
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Diphtheria | Yes |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age, except those arriving from a non-infected area and staying less than two weeks in the country.
Health Care
Medical facilities are very limited. Nouakchott boasts the country's best medical facilities with many doctors, most in private practices or clinics, and plenty of chemists stocking most existing French medicines. Health insurance, to include cover for emergency repatriation, is essential.
Food and Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products that are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Other Risks
Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Avoid swimming or paddling in fresh water due to the risk of Bilharzia; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Cholera is a serious risk and precautions are essential.
